Alumni group plans two benefits for Hammond students

Alumni & Friends of Hammond Schools invites residents to think Christmas and Catch the B.U.S. to help School City of Hammond students in grades kindergarten through 12 succeed.

More specifically, the nonprofit organization invites residents to reserve a spot to see a special evening performance of “A Fabulous 50’s Christmas” at Hammond’s downtown Towle Theatre and “Catch the B.U.S.” by contributing to the nonprofit organization’s collection of Books, Underwear and Socks for students.

In partnership with the Towle Theatre, Alumni & Friends of Hammond Schools, an arm of the Hammond Education Foundation, is hosting a special fundraising performance of “A Fabulous 50’s Christmas,” Dec. 11 at the Towle.

Hammond’s own holiday presentation is designed to capture the spirit of Christmas in the manner of the Perry Como and Andy Williams TV specials of the 1950s. The 7 p.m. performance will be preceded by a reception of hors d’oeuvres and beverages, cash bar and silent auction.

All proceeds from the $40 single admission price will support learning experiences within the School City of Hammond through classroom grants and other student learning opportunities. And $20 of each admission is considered a tax deductible donation.

Due to limited seating, admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no tickets; to reserve seats, phone the Towle Theater box office at (219) 937-8780, or sign up on line by visiting www.towletheater.org and scrolling down to the “Alumni & Friends of Hammond Schools” fundraiser link.

In support of Hammond students in need, Alumni & Friends of Hammond Schools also has initiated an outreach initiative of collecting new or gently used books and new underwear and socks. Through the organization’s Catch the B.U.S. program, books, underwear and socks are provided to Hammond schools for distribution as needed.

“Many students come to school lacking basic necessities, which hampers their ability to learn and succeed,” said Nancy Machnikowski, School City of Hammond partnership representative and Hammond Education Foundation board member.

“Providing books, underwear and socks goes a long way in helping equip our students become the best they can be.”

For more information about how to Catch the B.U.S. in support of the effort by Alumni & Friends… to collect books, underwear and socks, contact Machnikowski (namachnikowski@hammond.k12.in.us, or call (219) 933-2440, ext. 1061) or Wes Lukoshus (lukoshus@purduecal.edu, (219) 989-2217.

Individuals interested in assisting Alumni & Friends of Hammond Schools are invited to attend the organization’s next meeting, at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 12 in Room 305 of Purdue University Calumet’s Lawshe Hall. Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday.

About Hammond

Hammond is the 5th largest city in the State of Indiana and is located at the very Northwestern corner of the state. Hammond is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Our population was listed as 80,830 after the 2010 census.